ACTION: Attention to ECOP Monday Minute – If you would like an administrative assistant or other colleague at your institution to receive theECOP Monday Minute, please provide the name and email address to Chrystal Checketts at chrystal.checketts@extension.org. This is the primary mechanism ECOP uses to communicated to the Cooperative Extension Section. ECOP members have suggested that those who do scheduling, registrations, and travel arrangements on your campuses may wish to scan this communication for action and opportunities of relevance to directors and administrators. Your comments about the ECOP Monday Minute are welcomed and appreciated.
ACTION: Register for Orientation – New directors and administrators are encouraged to attend the December 3-5, 2013 orientation in Alexandria, VA presented by the APLU Board on Agriculture Assembly, of which ECOP is a part. This is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the rapidly changing public and federal landscape, learn how various entities work together at the national level to advance research, education and Extension, learn how to influence federal legislation and decisions made by USDA-NIFA and other agencies, and understand the diverse role of various types of institutions. The workshop will introduce participants to key leaders at the national level and allow for sufficient small-group discussion in order to build strategic alliances with colleagues. A breakout session specifically for Cooperative Extension will be included. For more information, click here.
4-H National Youth Science Day All Mapped Out for 10.9.13 – This year's 4-H National Youth Science Day experiment, 4-H Maps and Apps, will introduce youth to the importance of geographic information systems (GIS) and geographic position systems (GPS) as they design their ideal community park. Designed by Colorado State University Extension, 4-H Maps and Apps features on online game and iPad App that complement the hands-on version of the activity. 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) is a great opportunity to promote and connect 4-H and Extension - nationwide, the event produces significant, positive media impressions each year. Download the app at iTunes here. Order the 2013 4-H NYSD Experiment kit on the 4-H Mall website here.
SNAP-Ed Assessment Renewed – At the direction of ECOP, a survey regarding the SNAP-Ed assessment was sent to Cooperative Extension Section Voting Delegates, with a copy to Extension Directors, Administrators and Associate Directors and Administrators on August 31, 2013. The purpose of the survey was to receive a vote of the Cooperative Extension Section on assessments to support and continue the work of the SNAP-Ed Program Development Team (SNAP-Ed PDT) chaired by Dr. Paula Peters, Kansas State University. The assessment covers costs of the SNAP-Ed PDT, its national coordinator, and minimal office operations. Votes were accepted from the authorized voting member of the Cooperative Extension Section or designee. The SNAP-Ed assessment was approved at the amount of $150,000 annually for three years (2014, 2015, and 2016). Only participating universities are assessed based on a prior year receipt of SNAP-Ed funding.
eXtension Survey Results – Following the external review of eXtension as requested by ECOP (see report here), the eXtension Governing Committee conducted a survey of Extension directors and administrators and another survey with some different questions with USDA-NIFA personnel. The USDA-NIFA personnel survey results are here; the Extension directors and administrators survey results are here. ECOP through the eXtension Governing Committee is working with eXtension staff to guide pivotal changes for eXtension.
